The E-Sylum: Volume 8, Number 23, June 5, 2005, Article 10
ORMSBY LAFAYETTE IMAGE SOUGHT
Art Tobias writes: "I continue to enjoy my E-Sylums as they
are buzzed into my laptop. Your readership was extremely
helpful in response to an earlier inquiry regarding the "Sc."
after W.L Ormsby's signature on roll-die engraved images on
Colt percussion revolvers of 1847-51. I am hoping someone
can assist in the following matter.
I am now researching the extent to which W.L. Ormsby, Sr.
was the actual hand at work on some of the images assigned
to him. The Essay-Proof Journal of 1957-58 reprinted
Ormsby's "Bank Note Engraving" at a significantly reduced
size, especially the plates. I would like to be able to examine
or have photographed a particular image at the end of the rare,
original large-format book. The image is of the Marquis de
Lafayette, by the hand of W.L. Ormsby, Jr., age 17. I have
access to another image of the Marquis, apparently engraved
by the hand of either Ormsby, Jr. or Sr. on a Colt Dragoon
currently in a collection in England. If I have a better image
of the book's engraving I can do a fingerprint-like analysis of
the lines. If anyone can aid me with access to, or high-quality
images of Ormsby-produced bank notes that will also be
helpful. I am in Southern California. I have little money to
spend on this venture but am lavish with credits in my
published work."